Dive Brief:
- The FDA is developing a strategy to encourage the food industry to reduce added sugar by 2026, a key focus of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. and the “Make America Healthy Again” movement.
- Potential measures could include guidelines for using the “low added sugar” claim and exploring labeling options for sugar alternatives that do not impact blood glucose levels.
- This initiative is part of the FDA’s Human Foods Program policy agenda for 2026, which also includes plans for consumer education on sugar, ingredient labeling requirements, and the use of low or no-calorie sweeteners.
Dive Insight:
The Trump administration is set to push forward an ambitious agenda in 2026, building upon recent dietary guidelines that emphasize limiting sugar intake and promoting foods like meat and dairy.
Kennedy has been vocal about the harmful effects of sugar on chronic disease in the U.S., referring to it as “poison” and condemning sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup for their role in obesity and diabetes.
In line with the administration’s focus on reducing sugar in processed foods, the FDA is taking a voluntary approach to urge industry players to cut back on sugar content, similar to its strategy on synthetic colors last year.
Many food and beverage companies have already responded to consumer demand for lower sugar options, with launches of “no added sugar” products on the rise. Brands like Oreo, Gatorade, and BodyArmor have introduced reduced or zero-sugar alternatives in response to shifting consumer preferences.
As part of its 2026 agenda, the Trump administration is also considering expanding the criteria for foods eligible for the “healthy” label based on dietary guidelines, potentially allowing products like whole milk and beef tallow to carry this designation.
Other key priorities for 2026 include defining ultraprocessed foods, streamlining approval processes for natural colors, and updating safety standards for new chemical additives.